Have the Saints actually IMPROVED this year? - Fireball with Kane Cornes and David King

It was the Hawks getting it done absolutely convincingly last night at Marvel Stadium by 52 points.The Saints didn't kick a goal in the first quarter.Kingy, where does your first thoughts take us this morning?

I think full forward, the position at Hawthorne is the best role in footy.Gunston's kicked five in three quarters and then goes off and has a little spell for half an hour and Harwick goes forward and kicks four.They got nine goals out of the full forward position last night.Amazing.Unreal.Now look, just the Hawks, I don't know if this is them or this is just a one -off, but it looked to me like they were trying to Engage more of a handball game than what they have in the past.

So I'm gonna track this the next few weeks particularly between the arcs where Normally, it's so good with their foot skills and they just they move that ball across the ground and whoosh at the other side Last night looked like they were prepared to engage in more confrontation try and break tackles Try and flick some handball and get some reward.They better have 430 odd touches.I mean, it's a lot of footy 212 handballs for the game.They just don't have those numbers.So I'm wondering whether there's a shift is my first look, because if you don't have the handball game in your weaponry or in your arsenal, I think you're in a little bit of trouble in the back end of the year against the very best.So it was good to see.

It was good to see.I mean, they were in control for the whole of the game, really.I mean, the Saints came back in the third quarter, of course, by the time it was too late.But just think what Will Day does to the group.And we are all fingers tosed, every single thing crossed.I think every football fan, regardless of who you support, would be agreeing with that.

But I just wanted to give him a shout out for the resilience that he's shown for such a long period of time.And every time he comes back, not that he was dominant last night but he plays well off a long break every single time so I thought he'son the footy, some of his defensive stuff, how important he's going to be if he can stay sound.They just look a completely different midfield unit with him in there.Him and Newcombe together with the likes of Ward who hasn't, wasn't his best I didn't think last night, but McKenzie's taken some strong strides in his development.Plus the forwards that go in there, Watson went in there a little bit more it seemed last night.

21 disposals, 12 score involvements, as well as the two goals.I don't know if there's many more important players to their side than Will Day is to Hawthorne.And if he stays sound, it's just a different looking unit for me through that midfield, which is always going to be the biggest question mark.

Can I dispel a myth?So I was itching to get this out last night before it changed.So Watson, prior to last night, had been, since round seven, had been in 41 centre bounce clearances.So he'd been in for the last, what, five weeks?Attendances.Attendances.

So he'd been in as part of that group of four, part of that mix 41 times.Hawthorne had not scored once in those 41 times.So Nick, as a centre bounce option, is not necessarily the answer for the Hawks.So start of the second quarter, just about to get that out, bang, they go forward and kick a goal.So I know that they're keen to get some different players through there.I don't know if it is Nick.

I don't think it is Nick.And so you see Will Day come back in and say, okay, now they're starting to build, which is an obvious thing to say.But now maybe that leaves Nick inside your forward 50 and keeps that potency in your forward half.I'm not convinced he's a centre -bounce midfielder.

I think it depends on the circumstances.He's very much an attacking option.He's a one in tenner.He just gets on the fly.Which hurts you, doesn't it?He did that last night.

Can hurt you the other way.I think it's a good option.Not to say that he'sthe finished product from Centre Bounce, what you see now.He's going to hopefully continually work at his game and the craft in there so he can become a more balanced option.

I think Conor McDonald's a better option than him.

Conor McDonald's a good option.He's good again last night.He's having a really strong season.But I don't think you give up on it, would be my view.I think you work on it, you train him.Because what if it's halfway through the second quarter of a big final and he hasn't touched a footy?

Jeez, we've got to get Watson going.What are we going to do?Well, we have to put him to centre -bound.So you want to have that option.I think all your three goals down, halfway through the last quarter, and you want to get on the fly a little bit.So I think, yep, he may not be your first priority to get going, but I don't think it's worth giving up.

giving up on yet would be my view.

We can disagree on that.I think that he'll have a couple of highlights.

Give up on him.Never put him in there.Not never, but like...Don't work on it.Don't work his craft.

You're going extreme again.I'm just saying there are better options than him right now.So I would explore those options and maybe you win twice.Maybe having Nick inside your forward 50 is good for the team, is better for the team than having him in a centre bounce.What's better for the group?If you haven't scored in 40 -odd centre -bounce clearances when he's been in there, or attendances, I would say he's a better option as a forward.

He makes you nervous though, I reckon.He makes the opposition nervous.Can you get a mismatch?Can he lose his opponent for a brief moment, reset as a forward.So I think there's other flow and effects as well.I'm hearing what you're saying.

I'm not disagreeing with you, but I'd be persisting with it.So let's get to the Saints.And Hawks fans, please give us a call.We're going to spend a bit of time on this game.

Just before you leave the Hawks, James Cicely, 2026 versus James Cicely, 2025.A totally different beast.

Totally different.What is he now for...I looked at his numbers last week.

13 intercepts last night.

yeah intercept marxies so i had a couple of peoplesay to me, geez, Cicely's not the player I was.I'm like, are you watching him this year?He's been unreal this year.Like, consistently good.And his ball use, his intercept, he's top five, I think, for Intercept Marks in the league.

I couldn't have been any more impressed.I completely agree with you.

If you get a mismatch on him, there's a few players in the league that just destroy guys they don't rate.

Well, they don't value.

And everyone keeps saying, oh, they'll have a look at it.We've got to invest in this kid and we've got to get him, which is true.There's a portion of that.But Sicily made him look silly.

43 his name escapes me shaman shaman shaman at times trying to tag him Caminiti or Keeler they just kept getting it wrong against Sicily and he made them pay so he's in really good nick so that that's a I think that's probably the most promising sign for the Hawks over the last four to six minutes and the other one as well if they can really bed down and what they want this forward line structure to look like and at the moment it doesn't have deer in it but Lewis Gunston and Chole to get the ten goals Collectively from that group that I think that's as well as they've performed now.It was a low -pressure game I get it not a lot of heat on the ball coming in I thought that was a positive sign for them as well.

So where do you sit with hardwick?Is he when Gunston's in at full forward can hardwick be in that forward 50?Or is it just that role only can they pair up down there or not?

It feels like they've made the call that it's just that role only, but it's nice to have.It's nice to have up your sleeve.

Yeah.

Isn't it?

Yeah, for sure.I just wonder what their forward six is going to be, because they all, well, Chole, we laugh about Chole.We've had a lot of fun with Norton V. Chole.

Where's the music?

But he does some things, doesn't he?He's so smooth on a car.He's wrapped around the body.His field kicking is a feature.I heard the boys talking about it as I was driving home last night.I think it was Big Sexy and a couple of the lads just chatting about it.

And I think they're right.He's a beautiful field kick.So it's just an interesting watch as to what that mix is going to be.

They like him in centre -bounce ruck as well when they've got two rucks, but that was the move Sam Mitchell made last week when things weren't going their way.So that's the Hawks side of things.Pretty important last fortnight for them after not winning a game the previous three weeks.That draw in there, of course, against Collingwood.Let's talk about the Saints because they are sitting right now in 11th position at 5 -7.Some injuries piling up.

That position will drop, of course, if there's a couple of other results that don't get their way this weekend.And it gets me to a little bit of what Essendon have chosen to do.Remember, Essendon went down the path of not dissimilar to what the Saints have done with their list, when you bring in Stringer and you bring in Gresham and you bring in Scheel and you add to your group.And that doesn't really get you where you want to go.So then you go, okay, well, that didn't work.Completely revised the strategy and we're gonna rebuild this thing properly and with that comes absolute pain now the Saints to me have taken a Similar line, which I don't think anyone was that critical.

I was like, okay.Well, you're gonna have a crack Let's let's see how it goes but when it doesn't work and you get performances last night that you get from de Kooning when Flanders gets injured when McCray still plotting around in that midfield when Silvani's battling in the role that you got him to do and that's behind the ball until he was swung forward late.When you look at Henry, when Ryan's not playing, that's the strategy that they've gone down.And I just don't know where it's going to get them, Kingy.I just don't.And they would internally be having those discussions right now.

This is a lot to unwind ifcontinues to go down a path, and that is of little improvement year on year, despite the fact that you've splashed all this cash on some B -grade players.

Wow.Yeah, I don't know if I agree with that.At what cost?So the cost of Pick seven, I think it was, for Sam Flanders is a discussion, right?That's a worthy chat.You can argue that.

But the rest are financial costs, aren't they?There's no real draft impact from those guys.So if there's no draft impact, I think you roll on.Every team at this stage of their development cannot play without Nassir Wangani -Miller.Liam Ryan's important for them.Jack Higgins, they're game changers for this team.

They're so critical.St Kilda are not at the stage where they can have three of their top...I would say that Nassir and Jack Higgins would be two of their top four players.They're not at a stage where they can cope with not having those guys as part of the Selected 23.

But how were they going when those guys were a part of the Selected 23?They're about, you know, they're scraping for the 10.Even when those guys had played, I mean, they beat the teams that they should beat, the Saints, but they're not gonna be competitive against really the top six teams.If you look through, don't have it in front of me, but the teams that they've beaten this year, it's been It's been those that are underneath them, really, even when those guys were playing.So I get it.And last night was difficult.

You're right.You lose those players.It's always going to be hard.But just holistically, where are they at and where are they going to be with these strategic mismanagement moves that they've made?

All right.So I'll give you some evidence of what's happened over the last 18 months.So Nassau Wangene Miller in 2024 was ranked the 84th AFL player.Went to 11th last year, sits 14th at the moment.So that's tracking beautifully.for 2028.

I'm looking at 2028.Max Hall is now a top 40 player in the competition.Hugo Garcia has gone from 260 odd last year to 54.This is prior to last night.Darcy Wilson over the last six weeks is in the top 50 AFL players.And Philippu was outside of the top 200, is now around the top 120 odd.

Now, he didn't have a great night last night, but I think there's enough there to suggest that this midfield group, if they can keep them together, and Wilson's a watch with his contractual status, if they can keep this group together, I think in 40 or so games, they do get an opportunity.

So you think it was a 28 decision?You think that the moves that they've made weren't for the improvement now after three years under Ross?You think it's another two?

Well, he's always building at you.I didn't expect them to be a contender this year.

I would have thought they would have been pushing for the eight.Yeah, absolutely.Not a contender to win it.

So it's a step, isn't it?Aren't there some steps you've got to take in the AFL system?

Have they improved at all, is the question.And Ross said after the Adelaide game, I think it was, that if you take win -loss out of it, we've improved.Now, I think you can argue that.The midfield's improved.Those guys I just mentioned.But we're not judging midfields.

We're judging win -loss, aren't we?

Well, in the end, it's win -loss, right?No doubt.But I think the teams that are around the mark that St Kilda are at really find it hard to beat top four, top six teams.They do.And then the next progression is you win one out of every three, and then you win one out of every two, and you're in the hunt.I think they're miles from that.

I never thought they were a flag contender this year.I never had them in the top four to six teams.So they are where they are because they're just not quite there.You look at Brisbane when they went and got Danaher.It takes time for those guys.to embed and feel comfortable and be supported and build relationships.

You have those shared experiences that we all talk about.Groups play together.Wilkie needs help down back.There's no doubt about that.There's a hole there.I don't know if we can even keep talking about Max King.

I don't even know if we can because we haven't seen him for so long in this team.Their forward line has functioned against the poorer teams, but when they play the good ones, they're in a bit of strife.Ross said that last night.We're going through the grades.We're trying to get through the grades.They can beat teams that are around them and below them, but they can't beat the teams that are notionally above them at the moment.

So that's where they're at.

Okay, so wins against the Giants early, Port Adelaide, West Coast, Carlton and Richmond only for the Saints.They take on Sydney at the SCG next week.Then it's the Giants, then it's the Bulldogs before their bye and some winnable games after that, games that they will win against Essendon and Port Adelaide.But we disagree.I think I would have liked a little bit more improvement from the Saints this year considering the investment and what is it?Year three or four into Ross's reign as coach.

You can have your say though.1 -300 -736 -736.On the other side of this I want to speak about maybe the most disgraceful umpiring decision I've seen for a while.This is how the umpire saw the Nick Watson non -goal at halftime last night.uh one of the more bizarre unparalleled decisions that i've ever seen it was the chief on the end he wasn't happy with it either ever when you kicked over a thousand goals you've got a pretty good radar on what's tolerable and what's not so i would suspect the aflcome out, and we'll speak to Sammy just before nine o 'clock, he'll be all over it.

I suspect, and I think there needs to be a statement as to what has happened there, and the AFL admitting that that was an umpire error, surely.We cannot be having goals, which are pretty important, overturned like that last time at halftime.Now, as I said, I'd be very surprised if that was ever paid in a grand final, and I think I don't know what was going through the umpire's head because he's right there.I just do not know what he was thinking in that moment.I guess there needs to be sort of a bit more ramifications for decisions like that.That's a strange thing to do.

Couldn't quite get my head around it.Have you got a view?You spoke to Nick Watson after the game?

Yeah, and he was pretty angry about it actually.He was just a bit confused and a bit angry.He felt that without putting words in his mouth, they were just happy to blow the whistle.The umpires just wanted to get involved was basically what he was saying, which I kind of agree with.Just let the players sort it out.Let the game sort itself out.

I just think we're getting a lot of... random intervention at the moment, whether it's the reviews or whether it's the last touch out of bounds stuff, the goal line stuff, just the incorrect calls, lack of feel for the game.Again, that has no bearing on anything, does it?

Not one thing.I said last week, I said the umpire contact hours, which were confirmed by Tom Morris, are between three to four hours.Now, if you think that is good enough for umpires that some of them earn more than our assistant coaches, if you think it is good enough that they are there, contact hours three hours a week, then I'd be very, very surprised if that is adequate and that is good.I know there's some clubs out there and some coaches that are just scratching their head going, hang on.You earn more than an assistant coach.You earn another living doing something else, which is fine.

Good luck to you.But we need more than three hours contact a week and maybe errors like that aren't as prevalent as what they are right now.

I don't care how long you sit in class to learn the game.

I'm not talking about class.I'm talking about on the field, actually umpiring games, doing scenario -based stuff.Not online on Skype.Actually, they're doing it.Three hours, whatever you think, three hours is not enough.

You can take three to 30, and that decision is not really part of the class, is it?

It's not really part of your training.It's amplified.These issues are amplified when you get errors like that last night.

I just couldn't believe he did it.Can I just go back to the absolute letter of the Lord?Did he go off his line?

I think you've got to allow for your natural kicking motion.He didn't To me, anyway, from the angle that I've seen - No, you can't get off your line.

This natural motion stuff doesn't matter.

No, but he didn't.He didn't.You're allowed to actually kick it on your right foot, which means there's going to be a slight bend in his hips.That's all it really ...Because you actually have to kick it with your right foot.It's amazing.

If you said to him, Nick, this is for your life and you have to run in a straight line.Well, he doesn't have to.No, no, no.But if you just said that, he couldn't have run much straighter.

But he can come to the left two meters and then finish on the line.He's got to kick over on the mark.Yeah.It'll definitely be an adjustment for him going forward, no doubt.I think the AFL will support the umpire today.I know, but that's where I think they'll start by saying, well he did go off of his line by half a minute.

That would be laughable.Well, let's have a wager on that.Laughable.I'm certain they'll do the right thing.say that was an error.

I'll support him.

Clarko didn't, didn't drop anyone.And he backed in the same group.I said, you know, Simpkin.It was all Blamise's fault.They responded.Well done to North.

Love when you get a wicket within the gun.You also got a wicket.

Well, just a celebration really.It wasn't, um, it was more just putting pressure on the boys to give us a bit of a dance.And that's why I'm still filthy with Harvey Langford for not blocking for Cozzie as he was about to take his fifth bounce and knock through goal of the year.I think he would have given us something outrageous.But it was great.

Cozzy, Cozzy, Cozzy, Cozzy.No, no, it's just Sheppard.It's Sheppard, bozo.

No, I loved the work of particularly Shea Bolton.His moves were sensational.Where are you going this week?

Well, I look at the result from Brisbane and it's a theme that I've been running with for a while.After they got destroyed by Geelong, I said, look at the names, no one will pay the price at selection.Chris Fagan, it's one of his great strengths, is his loyalty to his players.It's the same names that always lose their place in the side.It is never a name of substance.So I see that they conceded 14 goals in one quarter.

Who pays the price at selection?McLaughlin, Marshall and Tunstall.The same crew.So this is the last chance.This is for Fletcher, for...I hate to say it, McCluggage for our boy.

There's some, you would think, some nervous names at Brisbane, but they're never nervous because Chris Fagan, they can play as badly as you like.They will never pay the price at selection.It's worked wonders for him, but I just wonder for how long.Who's in the gun for you?

The greatest certainty of all time this week, the Lions.

Really?Yep.

Yep.Disposing the ball one second or three seconds.How long you hold onto the ball.In two seconds, teams get organised defensively and it makes it really hard to score.I think they've got to get themselves going again.They were very good in the first, I don't know, six weeks and they've slowed right up.

So I think you'll see what slow footy against Brisbane does.less chasing, you're not going to see those guys like Rayner and Bailey and Loman get exposed defensively like we have the last few weeks.

The chief sports reporter Sammy Edmond for Club Token Wall Australia's premier Murray River golfing destination talked to the golf package team today, stunning new clubhouse now open.What's all this sighing and carrying on about?

No, no, how'd you go with CD?I missed the chat.Was he good, Chris?

Always good.

Did he like your Kenny song?There's a lot of love for Sam Flanders at St Kilda and therefore a lot of broken hearts because this Confirmation he is dealing with an Achilles injury Nasty now the grading to be determined clearly and this will obviously be important in terms of timelines We know the full rupture of the Achilles at their worst that's going to be a 12 13 14 15 15 month injury injury for him.But again, he'll be scanned, he'll be checked, the specifics we'll know about.Landed on that right leg, receiving a handball in the second.They're always innocuous, the worst injuries, aren't they?And it's just popped on him.

So look, this isn't his fault, but the Saints gave up pick seven.It's a five -year contract.It's a $900 ,000 a year contract.It was a pretty big outlay in and amongst other big outlays in their infamous trade period.So it'll be a scan that they will be sweating on, that is for sure for Sam Flanders.

There's no suggestion, Sammy, that the dampness of the ground contributed to these injuries.Was Ross alluding to that after the game?

I don't believe so But it's funny like if you want to if we want to jump there quickly like the conditions last night I can't quite put my finger on how it got to the slippery state.Well worse than that I mean both coaches described it as wet now Ross lawn was asked about it in defense Not sure if he would have raised it.So those saying it's a you know a tactic from him He was asked the question Sam Mitchell does volunteered it.He said it was really wet.So I don't know The ground wasn't watered, I've been told, so we can chalk that off.In fact, it wasn't watered all week, I've been told, given they had a lot of rain here over the last weekend.

The AFL say that because there's a roof, there's a perception it doesn't get dew, but the stadium's still susceptible to that.I'm not sure there was any dew last night.Got out early to the car this morning and normally the top of the fence is dripping wet, dry as this morning.So did they leave it, did they leave it open?Did they leave it open?Cause it did rain yesterday morning.

It was open.It was open.I was there when they closed it.But did it rain?Rain yesterday morning did it not?

I thought it rained.

I thought it rained and then therefore the roof is closed.But look, not the first time.It has been an issue many times over the dampness of the deck at Marvel.And when it is damp or wet there, given the surface, it is like an ice rink.

I think it was Mitch Cleary asked the question last night in the press out about the different lanes.The middle of the ground was damp and the wings were hard and fast.

Because the roof covers some of it.Now the triple agent tells me it was drizzling all yesterday morning and the roof was open until about, I'm going to say 4 .30 when they closed the roof at Marvel last night.

So there's no time for it to dry.Potentially that's what we're dealing with.Yeah.And I always want to leave it open because I want to maximize natural sunlight.But

How about maximizing the spectacle of the game?And let's just close a little bit earlier and make it dry.

So I've got to call in with the eye fall on that.If I get a clarification, I'll let you know.I think people are interested in it.

I know you want to get to Nick Watson.Do you suspect the AFL will release a statement saying that that decision was right or wrong?We're split here this morning.

Yeah, it will be very, very interesting to see what they've got to say, because there is the feel there that they not have to, but their leaning is to defend umpires, and they shouldn't apologize for that.I mean, you've got to support your umpires.one of the most important stakeholders in the game.So that's their natural leaning.I think if they say they got it wrong, then we all say, yeah, you got it wrong and we move on.But if they try to explain it, that it's the right decision, I think we'll battle with that, to be honest.

I really think we will battle with that.

What if they have supporting video?

I'm not even convinced.Well, we need to see it.Because on the angle that we've got, I'm not even sure.We might not be talking anything.I don't even think he deviated.That's the way I see it.

I don't think it's even technical.I think he just went straight.

So of the options, there are three options.No statement, play on, which they've done before, support the umpire and say they got it right, or they got it wrong and it was an error, then they'll word it nicely.

I think B or C. That can't be A. It's fireball, mate.Is it B or is it C?I think it's a mistake.Put the music on, Jacob.

This is a long time, first time.Oh jeez, I'm nervous.

You do it, it's your segment.

So, usually it's only one or the other.You're saying it's definitely going to be a statement.Are they going to support the umpire and say it was correct, or are they going to say it was the wrong decision?

You know what, I just got a missed call from the over.You take it, go and take it.You do it live.Well, what does it mean for pick and stick?I've got to make a decision right here, right now.Answer it, and then take the call.

I say they...Oh, gee whiz.Because they try to have B and C together in the one statement.Okay, this is fireball, Sam.If you don't listen to our program...

B!

He's with me.No, no, it's been mistake.I've forgotten what it was.

Oh, this has gone crap.You talked that long.This has gone crap.It can't be that bad, pick and stick.

Come on, mate.

No, I think it's a mistake.

Do you need to take that phone call?Yeah, I do.You'll take the news.Can you come back in after the news?He's got nothing else on for the rest of the day.What's on your agenda this morning?

I want to chat about the Adam Simpson discussion that we touched on earlier with Chris Davies about And a potential next coach.So is there's what, two availabilities this year?Carlton, he's put his line through and sounds like he's put a line through Essendon.That's what it sounds like to me, outside looking in.I'm not sure whether that's the case.And you may be waiting to see what happens with James Hurd.

So if James is off the table, is Simo Beck in or not?It sounds like he's a yes.Where do you sit if you're Daniel G in Syracuse or Hayden Skipworth or one of those coaches that's going to have to present to Carlton and presenting to someone who they will then run against for the next available job.

I was surprised when I read the name, more so because he's been there as well.And to me, it feels like Chris sort of almost sounding like he's not interested in coaching, but to me, just from listening to Simo a little bit, not diligently, but it feels like he wants to coach again.Yeah, I guess I was surprised by it, but it's on your agenda.So what do you think?

Well, I would be a bit, I mean, we're talking about advantages and Simo's had a great language this week.Is there a staggered start to coaching roles?Does someone start 20 minutes in front?Handicap.A handicap advantage.Is James Hurst 50 metres in front of the rest of the pack?

And they may well be the case.We always have a favourite, right?The media get it wrong as often as they get it right.But I just wonder, if you're giving up all of your intellectual property at an interview to then go against that guy next time up, So let's just say if a random event happens, right, and the Western Bulldogs purge Luke Beveridge at the end of the season, and that job's up for grabs, I would think that would be a job that Simo would be interested in.Having sat through the guys that he's then going to contend against, I think that's a massive advantage.He's got a head start.

Massive advantage.Take their best stuff.He's James Heard mark two.And use it for your own.Well, he knows what they're going to present.It's a good point.

It's a good point.

Would you be disappointed if you were Daniel Genn, Siracusa or Hayden Skipworth?Those types.

I would be reluctant, I think.But I think there's a lot of coaches that want to coach but are reluctant.So this would be another reason as to their reluctance to do that.Now Simo will speak at some point on this and answer your queries.But yeah, I think it's just the strategy of trying to get the next senior coaching job interest me as much as anything, and the tactics that each individual candidate uses, and this just may be another hurdle for them.

Would he have been better off just to say no?

I don't know what there is to gain on being...I mean, it's probably a really interesting process and you learn a whole lot about it.And look, he may use some of the best presenters, information, not information, but tactics for his own.So maybe that's what's to gain.But I don't know what there is to be gained by being on.Did Jordan Lewis gain anything by selecting Brad Scott?

I don't know.I think that would be unlikely.So I'm not sure what there is to gain by being on this panel.but we'll see where that lands.Are you ready for a bit of pick and stick?

Oh, yes, absolutely.If we can.Love the pick and stick.Sammy made a meal of his.

Let's see how we go with this one.Sammy made an absolute meal of his.All right.Marbiol Chole or Tom De Kooning?

Marbiol Chole.

For a quarter of the price, if you don't mind.I like the Cholster.If you do not mind.

I have had to take a keen interest in him over the last 18 months.

The Cholster or Mitch Lewis?

The Cholster.

Your man Garcia or Cam McKenzie?Ah, a little liver every day of the week.That's ridiculous.Come on.Why?

Come on.McKenzie is hardly a permanent fixture in this team.

Go on, Garcia is.Instant killers.Yeah.Yeah.What was his game time last week?Go check that.

Um, Ross versus the Genius.

Ross has been to the last eight.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.I am favouring Ross.That's, that is not what I asked you.Pick and stick right now.Ross, Lion or the Genius.With a straight face.

Ross, Lion.You've been disingenuous.The ballers will be all over this.

You're asking me the question, I'm giving you an answer.

You could not, after sitting through that live last night, select Ross Lyon over the Genius.They did not kick a goal for a half.I don't care who was there or who wasn't.They didn't score a goal.

You're asking me about the coaches or you're asking me about the likelihood of them winning last night.It's a totally different discussion.

Will Ashcroft or Sam Walsh?Will Ashcroft.Mason Cox or Skinny Sean Darcy?

Skinny Sean.Skinny Sean.I need him to get a little bit heavier though, I must say.I don't like skinny.I don't like him as super skinny, Sean.

Shea Bolton or Murphy Reid?Murphy Reid.Murphy Reid or Cozzy Pickett?Cozzy Pickett.And just for Gary and Tim's sake, Cozzy Pickett or Nick Watson?Nick Watson.

Thank you.That was Pickett's Dick.

It's not a Hawthorne hat.

Not your best.Well, not your best.Not your best.Well, what do you mean?Why?Because I just don't think you were truthful.

I just don't think you were truthful.In this instance, it's the first time I'm questioning your integrity on Pickett's Dick.

Well, that's that's that now this is a revelation.We need to dive into I give you my honest opinion If each and every time I'm happy for you to disagree Sam What has Sam done yet?

Nearly as much as Ross see daylight anymore.

You're nearly as much as Ross is what I'll say Wow Wow, what do you mean?

Wow nearly as much as Ross, okay.

I don't even think Sam would agree with you there I'll ask him next time he's in.

Ross has had a long time in the game, but in terms of where you need the team to go, I think Sam's coaching credentials right now, he's coaching better than Ross Lyon is.And if you were picking a coach that you'd want to carry your teamforward right now, I think you'd be hard pressed to select Ross Lyon over Sam Mitchell.

I want to ask you about James Heard and the tactics of Monday night.Just the tactics of how it all went down.Yeah, sorry, was it was a Tuesday with a Tuesday night.

So Tuesday, I'm sorry.Sorry, Sammy.I'll get there.

I'll start that again Well ask you where the tactics of James heard on Tuesday.I knew what you meant.Did you?Do you think it was a?Strategic and smart move what they've done in pushing himself forward in this manner Just the way they forget we like just the way we spoke about Nathan Buckley true to me and keep him keen Yep, and it was a pretty desperate for the tazzy.

Well, this is this is Bucks' desperation on steroids.This was a desperate plea for the Essendon job.And was it smart?Well, yeah, I think it probably was.Because you know who you're talking to, and that is to a frustrated Essendon supporter group who are looking for someone to get behind and make Essendon great again.It was the tactic and you're playing to the pack.

There wasn't any strategy in terms of how he's going to coach the team or how he sees the game.It was more, get behind me. I'm Essendon.I love the club.Let's go.Let's make the club great again.Um, that was the strategy and it probably worked for him and it's probably put off the other coaches as well, which is another Benefit to what he did on tuesday night It was it's like black caviar nominating for the lightning stakes.

The field just drops away Everyone's now nervous of james.So I think it has worked The actual strategy behind it's worked big time.You're hearing ken talk and you're hearing What why wouldn't they just stump up?So I want to get a detailed discussion, we've got to go to a break, but after the break, why wouldn't they just say, you know what, I'm going for it regardless.And if I get beaten by Hurdy,everyone knows that I was never getting it.

What's to be lost by Ken Hinckley or Simmo not getting the job?

Well, it's a lot of work, and it's a bit of your ego, and no one wants to miss out.It's a lot of work putting these pieces together.No, it's a fair bit of work that goes into it, and you want to know that you're a genuine chance to get it before you waste your time, like the busy people spending hours and hours putting this together.

Fair upside, though.

Yeah, maybe, maybe, maybe it's the job that they're not desperate to get.Picking sticks for AIA, whatever you do, whatever your do is, by protecting what matters most, AIA helps you do it for life.Gee, the sponsors are flocking to Fireball, let me tell you.